Missoula County staff recommends banning new billboards; commission moves to adopt sign regulation changes

On May 12, during a special meeting of the Missoula County Planning and Zoning Commission, county staff recommended a final adoption of amendments to county sign regulations that would bar installation of new billboards and prohibit converting existing static billboards to digital displays.

Jenny Dixon of Planning, Development & Sustainability told commissioners the changes are largely housekeeping but include the billboard prohibitions; she said a resolution of intent was adopted on March 26 and that the public notice was published in the Missoulian (the transcript lists the notice date as “April 1126”). Dixon said the county received three comments during the 30‑day public comment period and that those comments, posted on Missoula County Voice, supported the proposed amendments. “We recommend adoption of the final resolution of adoption for this zoning amendment,” she said.

A commission member then moved to adopt a resolution amending Missoula County zoning regulations, chapter 8 (signs), to prohibit new billboards and conversion of static billboards to digital and to make other non‑substantive clarifications; the motion was seconded. The chair called for public comment and then asked for the vote, saying “All in favor,” but the transcript does not record a roll‑call or a recorded tally.

Why it matters: the change would prevent new billboard installations and conversions to digital signage under county zoning, while the record shows limited written public opposition during the notice period. The commission scheduled follow‑up items for future meetings as needed.

What’s next: commissioners took the motion and called for the vote during the May 12 meeting; the transcript contains no recorded roll‑call or final tally. The commission will continue other agenda items and reconvene on May 28 for additional Frenchtown zoning business.